AN INDEPENDENT city centre venue has launched an appeal after burglars broke in twice in six weeks.

Managers at The Art House have set up a crowdfunding page to help them pay for repairs and heightened security – and help them stay afloat.

It comes just weeks after two other iconic Southampton venues – The Joiners and The Hobbit – launched their own campaigns to stop themselves going under.

Now owner Jani Franck, who has run the Above Bar community interest company for ten years, has said the break-ins have put the business in a “very precarious financial position” with insurance not covering the cost of the heightened security they need.

She said: “This has derailed our process and had a knock-on effect on our income, delaying our new menu, the opening of our ice cream shack, recruiting and training new volunteers, booking performers and so on.

“Add all that to the leaking roof, blocked drain, replacement of our chiller cabinet, repair of our air-conditioning, one of our long-term crew moving on, the explosion of new eating places and cafes and the general poor state of the economy, and we find ourselves in need of help so that The Art House can survive.”

The premises are held under a “fully repairing lease” meaning the CIC is responsible for all repairs and maintenance to the building.

She added: “We were set up as place for artists, as a quiet place in the city – not to make a profit.

“The directors can’t ever sell up and retire to the New Forest on the proceeds, so every penny you give is safe.”

But Bargate councillor Sarah Bogle said the issue of independent venues surviving was one that had moved around the city at various times.

She said: “The Art House is a difficult business model to follow but I’ve supported them since they set up. The whole time I’ve been a Bargate councillor one of the consistent themes has been the challenges faced by independent businesses.

“But I would always encourage traders to work as part of an association – that way they have a voice and people listen to them.”

A spokesperson for Go!Southampton’s Business Improvement District – which Ms Franck confirmed The Art House is a member of – said: “Crime reduction is a huge priority for GO! Southampton and as such we are currently working with several partners including Hampshire Constabulary, Southampton City Council and local businesses to develop a comprehensive crime reduction strategy which can be implemented in the very near future. The concrete details of that strategy will be released as soon as they are available.”